Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

Service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is attributable to service.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD is granted as it is etiologically related to the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and grants this claim.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased evaluation for hypertension.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be aggravated by type II diabetes mellitus, and service connection for this condition is granted. The heart disorder claim remains pending due to the proposed new presumptions of service connection based on Agent Orange exposure. The hypertension claim also remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that it is related to in-service noise exposure. The other issues of entitlement to service connection have not been adjudicated and are referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran had a left leg disability related to his lumbar spine disability, but did not find any direct or secondary service connection for other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his service connection claims, including obtaining personnel records and medical records to determine the status of his service during the pertinent time period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis (sinus problems), chronic eye disorder, and hypertension were all denied. The claim for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the leg was granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology. The right knee disability is also being remanded for a VA examination to assess its severity and whether it has lateral instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is unable to perform his current job as a defensive tactics and firearm instructor, nor has there been any change in occupational requirements necessitating additional services. Therefore, an extension of his period of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits was denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for fatigue, persistent headaches, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, mood and sleep disturbance, ataxia and/or chronic balance difficulties, respiratory symptoms (asthma), gastrointestinal symptoms other than irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular symptoms (hypertension), and skin rashes were all granted.

The Board granted a higher initial rating of 10 percent for hypertension, effective January 14, 1997.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and the relationship between service-connected conditions and the Veteran's death. The appellant must be provided with proper notice tailored to her claim for VA dependency and indemnity compensation, including a listing of previously service-connected disorders and the evidentiary requirements for service connection based on a condition not yet service connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have significant residual symptoms from Bell's palsy, and his other conditions are not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or any other service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability was denied because he did not have sufficient hearing impairment to qualify as a disability. The Veteran's hypertension was also denied, but the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial evaluation for left ear hearing loss disability is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service-connected due to its preexistence prior to her periods of active duty and the presumption of soundness. The claim for right arm disability, low back disability, tinnitus (claimed as right ear injury), carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral leg syndrome, left ankle disability, and left bottom tooth are denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.